🔗 Share this article The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory. Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery. The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright. Securing Top Spot This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested. In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F. In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars. An Anxious Conclusion Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner. Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery. Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.